In Ancient Costa Rica, jade was thought to have mystical qualities because of its superiority to other stones. Tools and weapons made of jade belonged to persons of high rank and authority. This dark green jade dagger is in the form of a monkey, arms proudly resting on his chest, and another monkey perched atop his head. The incised detail combined with an expressive rendering exudes a powerful aura. One wonders who proudly displayed this dagger on his chest, perhaps he was a shaman or a chieftain.